Awanuiarangi Black’s fight to have Māori Land wars recognised in New Zealand history will live on in the annual Māori Land War commemorations, says Māori Party co-leader Marama Fox.
Hundreds of Māori warriors from Rangiriri Pā and Ngāti Raukawa paid their respects to the Tauranga leader by performing haka at Te Whetu o Te Rangi Marae in Waitao.
Marama Fox says Awanuiarangi’s relentless commitment to having Māori Land wars taught in schools and having a national day of commemoration is testament to his love for his people and culture.
Awanuiarangi was instrumental in uniting many of the tribes within the Mataatua region and building strong relationships with the Kingitanga. Iwi leader Kahautu Maxwell says the commemoration at Pukehinahina last year created a domino effect in awakening tribes, ‘Rangiriri, Orakau, Te Tarata, Te Ranga’ and many more.